Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
Laparoscopic Anatomical Resection of the Right Anterior Lobe Based on the Laennec Capsule Technique
Published on: May 2, 2025
A case of left atrial metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma: life-saving palliative resection using
Jae-Bin Seo1, Jun Sung Kim, Dong Seop Jeong
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center/Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasizing to the heart, specifically the left atrium. Surgical resection improved symptoms, highlighting a palliative option for advanced liver cancer with cardiac involvement.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rarely metastasizes to the heart.
- Cardiac metastasis can significantly impact patient prognosis and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of HCC with left atrial metastasis.
- To describe the palliative surgical management and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Palliative surgical resection of left atrial HCC metastasis using cardiopulmonary bypass.
- Systemic chemotherapy following surgical intervention.
Main Results:
- Successful resection of cardiac metastasis, leading to dramatic improvement in severe dyspnea.
- No recurrence of symptoms related to mitral valve obstruction post-surgery.
- Simultaneous involvement of right and left atria and left ventricle noted.
Conclusions:
- Surgical resection can be a life-saving palliative option for hepatocellular carcinoma with cardiac metastasis.
- Despite aggressive chemoembolization, cardiac metastasis can occur, necessitating multidisciplinary management.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing rare metastatic complications of HCC.
Abstract:
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with metastasis to the heart is uncommon. We report a rare case of left atrial metastasis of HCC which was resected palliatively as a live-saving procedure with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. Despite chemoembolization, which was undertaken 11 times, cardiac metastasis occurred. Moreover, the right and left atria and left ventricle were involved simultaneously. The severe dyspnea improved dramatically after surgery. Following this, the patient underwent systemic chemotherapy and lived a life without recurrence of symptoms associated with mitral valve obstruction.
